What it feels like being a member of the transgender community in Macedonia?

When it comes to respecting the rights of the LGBTI+ community in Macedonia, the prospect does not seem so positive. Based on the findings of the “ILGA-Europe” report, in 2018 Macedonia ranked 41 out of all 49 European countries. For that reason, our team decided to cover the situation there by interviewing a member of the LGBTI community in Macedonia.

1 – When did you realize aout your gender identity?

–Around the age of 12, I started feeling different from the others and I had no idea of what was happening to me. I simply felt “stuck” in the wrong body. It was too difficult for me, as I was born male but it always felt wrong to me. It wasn’t my true gender identity.

2 – To whom did you first came out as transgender?

– I never had the courage to tell anybody, until my uncle asked about what was happening. I still felt insecure and reluctant. I thought that if I told him the whole truth, he would never accept who I really was. But beyond my expectations, he was quite open to talking about it.

“Whatever you’re going through, I am here for you, no matter what.” – he said to me. At the emotional moment, I decided to tell him the truth: “I see myself as a girl.” and I busted into tears. We hugged and he told me that he accepts me for who I really am. Since that day I feel lighter.

3 – Have you ever been bullied because of your gender identity? Is there been any recorded case of violence?

– Fortunately, I have never been bullied as no one knows my secret, apart from my uncle and some close friends and relatives. I have never expressed my true identity in public because I am aware that the majority would be against me and wouldn’t understand.

4 – Are you currently engaged in any organization or initiative dealing with the LGBTI+ community in Macedonia?

– Yes. Currently, I work as group coordinator and supporter for transgender people at the “LGBT Junajted” NGO in Tetovo.

5 – How do you spend your free time in Tetovo?

– I spend most of my time outside Tetovo with friends. I also attend quite frequtnly the nightlife.

6 – What is your aspiration for your future? Do you plan to leave Tetovo?

– Tetovo is my city. I spent my entire childhood here and it is also the city of the people I mostly care of. So my answer is NO. I don’t want to leave my city.